Monday, November 14, 2016

Arrival and Big Short Movie Reviews, In Flames - Battles, New Releases, and Seven Years of Blogging

Arrival Movie Review

Prepare for your mind to be blown.
Twelve alien vessels appear across the planet and Amy Adams is the linguist recruited to translate.
This is a science fiction drama – and one for your brain.
The story seems straightforward enough. In fact, you might start to wonder where the genius kicks in as the movie reveals plot points while revealing nothing.
The cast is excellent. A few minor characters, but it really focuses on the three leads. It’s probably Adams’ best role, while Jeremy Renner and Forrest Whitaker round out the cast with style.
This is a film you’ll want to watch again for all the things you missed.
All I can tell you is it will quietly blow your mind…
Highly recommended!

The Big Short Movie Review

Finally watched on NetFlix. This film follows the lead up to the housing crisis and collapse in 2007.
It’s an excellent film but also quite galling. The arrogance and stupidity of the banks will make your blood boil. Even more so knowing it all really happened.
The film follows several sets of characters. Front and center is Christian Bale, a hedge fund manager who realizes what is happening and bets against the housing market.
Several others get wind of what he’s doing and start their own investigations.
This film takes a plot that should’ve been boring and made it interesting, engaging, and funny! It’s brilliant, and you will marvel at that brilliance even as you are repelled by what the banks did to cause the collapse.
Highly recommended!

In Flames - Battles Review

Hopefully, as time goes by, we grow and develop in all aspects of our lives. As I listen to the new In Flames album, I’m reading a post by someone who absolutely hates it. They don’t sound anything like the early days of Jester Race, he rants. They’ve lost it...they suck. (Followed by some truly, horrible remarks not fit for reprint.)
He is right about one aspect in his (I’m assuming) troll rant: they don’t sound like the band that made their first album in 1995. Does this truly surprise anybody? In Flames, like the rest of us, have grown and matured over the past twenty-one years.
Gone is the crushing Gothenburg melodic death metal. It has been slowly replaced over the past five albums with a more mainstream and accessible approach to metal. Maybe it’s because I‘m a prog fan. I grew up with bands like Rush and Yes who changed their sound over the course of their career. I enjoy the musical ride that a band, who is fortunate enough to have longevity, can take us on over the years of a career.
I have been an In Flames fan since Colony and I continue to be a fan to this day. The new album is filled with catchy choruses and infectious riffs that put a big smile on my face. I certainly don’t begrudge anyone who doesn’t like the new, evolving sound. But I think it’s great!

That date marked seven years since I began blogging. A lot has changed since then. Blogging is different today. But I still wouldn’t be anywhere else or trade in the journey for anything.

What’s happened over those seven years?

Four books, one boxed set, five anthologies, and four audio books. (With a short story, audio book, and anthology still to come.)

TheInsecure Writer’s Support Group blogging group in 2011, website and Facebook groups in 2013, two anthologies (soon to be three), newsletter, Twitter, t-shirt, and more.
Hosted or co-hosted twenty-five blogfests.
Participated in/co-hosted seven A to Z Challenges.
Was the subject of a blogfest! (That’s where Mini-Alex came from. Elise made him for the blogfest and then mailed him to me – from France! Deniz later supplied the stylish scarf.)
Lost some dear friends.
And made a world of amazing new friends.
Plus a whole lot more!

Thanks to all of you for joining me on this journey! I appreciate your friendship, support, and guidance. I couldn't have done it without you.

Did you catch Arrival this weekend? Seen The Big Short? In Flames fan? (Or any new music out you do like?) Picking up some new books? And what’s happened during your blogging journey?

I will be spending time with family next week for Thanksgiving and I have decided to unplug for the week. The whole week! I will be checking emails and returning comments when I return. Have a great Thanksgiving!

146 comments:

Seven years leading the crowd. No mean feat.Not enough with motivating blogs initiator, there are books galore anthologies audio books short stories and all heaped on your shoulders! Whew! Keep the good flag flying Alex.A grand following of faithfuls attests to it! Great!

I saw 'Arrival' with my husband yesterday. :) Mind-blowing is right...we sat in the theater with the credits running trying to figure out what we'd seen! Amazing. And the only movie I can think of where a linguist is the hero. :)

Hi Alex - have a brilliant internet free time with your family and friends for Thanksgiving ... congratulations on all your achievements - and I count my blessings having tied in with this group of amazing bloggers and authors.

I did see the Big Short - it certainly exposed a few truths ... which we suspected and knew - but in a horribly enlightening way.

Happy Thanksgiving and here's to many more years of authoring and blogging ... cheers Hilary

I haven't had a chance to see "Arrival" yet, but I did read the story that it's based on. "Stories of Your Life" moved me even before I was a parent, and I'm sure it would mean more now. I'd really like to see this one!

Congratulations on your seven years! Your blog has become so important to so many writers and bloggers, myself included. I still remember the fear I had when I commented here for the first time - it was like trying to squeeze into the cool guy group :-)

Arrival looks good - a bit more than the aliens attack/world in peril scenario.

Congratulations Alex - 7 years and you have accomplished so much. Seven is a significant number. Seven colors of the rainbow, 7 days in a week, 7 circles form the seed of life. Al did a wonderful job with the artwork. A dragon and ninja mystical friends.

I wanted to see Arrival this weekend, but it didn't happen. I will try and see it next weekend. The previews looked good and I like Jeremy Renner. Thanks for the review.

Alex, congratulations on your blog anniversary. Hard to believe it's been seven years. You provide support and inspiration for so many (me included), thanks for being an awesome blogging friend (and author). Wishing you and your family a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Congrats to everyone with a new release. The Arrival is definitely a movie I want to see.

Amy Adams has been one of my favorite actresses since Psycho Beach Party (2000). She's a beauty and I admire her versatility. If you say Arrival might be her greatest role then I am so there.

I didn't write that scathing review of Battles, but I don't like it very much when a metal band moves toward the mainstream. Nevertheless I would be willing to listen to the latest album by In Flames with open ears.

Congratulations on your seven years! You've really achieved a lot. (BTW, the question says "five years") You also has given a lot to the blogging world and inspired many along the way. I'm very glad we met and I've learned several things from you too. Keep on going strong. Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

Congrats on seven years! Great movie reviews. I saw two this past week. Doctor Strange was a lot of fun, and Trolls... I didn't enjoy it, but my son did. Though he's more excited for Sing next month, and so am I. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Unplugging for a whole week? Sounds kind of wonderful. Might do that in January. Got a goal I'm hoping to achieve this year and don't want to mess that up. I've been blogging since Thanksgiving 2009, so started just about the same time as you. During those 7 years I managed to get 5 books published (which actually happened in the last 3 years). Enjoy your "vacation"! :)

congrats on your blog world and Ninja to all. AwesomeI really liked Arrival. My husband was confused and when I explained the twist he went "ohhhhhh". Thumbs up. The Big Short was superb and yes, it's a movie that should make you laugh and yet be appalled at the same timeCongrats to all new books and authors. Hard to believe that turkey is around the corner. Gobble gobble. Have a great week or so

Happy Thanksgiving Alex. I never knew Al was your fave Dragon Buddie. The Arrival movie looks like a real winner. I saw the The Big Short and figured, yeah I can do that! but the stock exchange? no way! Thanks for being our Ninja Blogger and Chief and enjoy the week.

You enjoy that well-deserved unplugged time, Alex! Family is important. "The Arrival" sounds fantastic. I hope to see it. Likewise "The Big Short." Although I'm sure that movie would make me furious. Congrats on all you have accomplished in your blogging history ~ It's inspirational! Have a good one!

I am so glad that someone with your supportive, encouraging nature found blogging. And works so hard to make it a better place for everyone.Congratulations (as always) and gratitude to everyone with new releases.Enjoy Thanksgiving.

You have made such a positive impact on the blogverse in those 7 years, Alex! My Stetson's off to you for sure. ARRIVAL is on my To Be Seen list now. And THE BIG SHORT I'll see just on your recommendation. I have studied the history of our nation more intently these past years in research for my novels, and my heart has only become heavier over the uncaring callousness of those in power in all the different sectors of our country. :-(

That Arrival movie looks interesting, just don't know if I'll have time to fit it in, so many good looking flicks coming out.

I too, enjoyed 'The Big Short', even if it was a real 'blood boiler'. Excellent ending where the voice over tells us they all went to jail and comes back with 'just kidding'. Yeah, 'just kidding' indeed.

Congratulations on your blogiversary! I think just about everyone grows, evolves, develops, matures, and changes over the course of many years of blogging or vlogging. It's fun to look back on the earliest posts or videos and marvel at how much either we or the other person has changed. For me, a big thing is definitely learning to get my average blog post down to around 400-800 words, instead of routinely having an average of 1,500, or regularly having several thousand words per post!

I am planning on getting to the movies at least once before Christmas. Was thinking of Arrival, but was on the fence (wasn't sure how scary it was going to be). But- this sounds like a fascinating movie and I definitely don't want to miss it. Thanks for sharing. ~Jess

I have heard good things about the Arrival movie. Not many details, but good reviews. Love the Dragon and the Ninja! That’s awesome.Seven years? That’s impressive. Way to go!Have a great Thanksgiving, Ninja Captain Alex.

Congratulations on all your achievements! I'm so happy to have found the IWSG and all the amazing people who are part of it. And I am grateful for all the amazing people I've had the pleasure of meeting due to IWSG contacts. Now that is something to be thankful for - it's a pity Thanksgiving isn't a part of our traditions. Maybe I'll join in anyway :) Have a super Thanksgiving Alex!

Great post and I can't wait to see Arrival!! Congrats to all those with new releases!

Congratulations on your seven years of blogging! You truly are the Ninja. You have done so much, especially to help most of your fellow bloggers, you should be very proud of yourself.

I read an article that mentioned that The Arrival was one of the most difficult movies to make. Something about it being hard to adapt the book into a screenplay. It's been getting great reviews everywhere. Definitely looking forward to watching it.

In seven years, you've re-shaped blogging to fit your style, Alex. Your attitude about blogging - making friends, encouraging others - has helped me be a better blogger and writer. IWSG is awesome. My husband and I love your books. I appreciate all you've done these last seven years, Alex. Congratulations on everything!

I'm a week behind in movies (and sometimes months). My family and I just saw Dr. Strange - I loved his cloak, and so much of the world-building was breathtaking - both in storyline and visual affects. My two favorite movies on Netflix I've watched recently are: Zootopia and True Memoirs of an International Assassin.

Happy 7th. Wow! That's a lot of achievements. But I'm glad I found your blog and have been able to share in a few of these ventures with you. A-Z in particular and the IWSG.I ended up thinking of you last night at the movie house. I was just settling in to watch Doctor Who on the big screen when I saw a commercial for RiffTraxx. A few with me had no idea what it was so I was able to inform them what it was and how I believe it's on Amazon Prime, so we may all get together to watch an episode or two.

I enjoy a few bands who change over the years too. I've never been a big fan of metal, but I can understand your sentiments. Arrival sounds really good, though not one I'd probably want to watch with my kids in the room. Kids are way too distracting.

Seven years?! That's a big chunk of time. Happy blogoversary. The awesome thing about you is that I feel like you are a friend even though we haven't met.

And it doesn't matter that I've been gone for a year or two or three - only popping in every now and then. You are always here. You may be what's holding the blogosphere together - this community of writers for sure. (I have a feeling someone else has written this already - I did not read the other 100 comments.)

Congrats on being a blogger for so many years. I agree with what you said about Arrival. What an interesting concept and boy, I would not have the necessary brain power to read that alien language. I would have been like...a...what? I haven't seen the Big Short, but I plan on doing it soon.

Congrats on seven years Alex and glad to have you as a blogging buddy. Arrival is out today in Jamaica and I'll see it when I can. Your review of The Big Short makes me finally want to watch it. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Congrats on so many years in blogging and your achievements since then. It really is an impressive list, yet you stay humble and are always positive even in bad reviews. Loved The Big Short, BTW. I'm adding Arrival to my list.

I can't wait to watch Arrival! Amy Adams is one of my favorite actresses. I haven't seen the Big Short but I've watched a lot of documentaries about the subject, and it is outrageous. Unfortunately, the world is driven by insatiable greed, so I don't think things will change. As far as your blog and what you've done over the past five years- you have inspired many people, myself included, and given me the strength to keep writing.

I saw the Arrival and I liked the less "Hollywood action" take on a visit from aliens.

I don't understand why people want a band to make the same album over and over again. For instance, Opeth has definitely changed their sound over the progress of their albums, but that doesn't mean they've got worse.

You mentioned Lacuna Coil in your comment to me, and they're another band that has had a new sound with every album. Some of them haven't appealed to me as much, but the most recent album blew my mind! Just goes to show they have definitely not "lost it".

Congrats on 7 years of blogging, Alex!I can remember the first time I commented on your blog. I was TERRIFIED...(thinking to myself, what on earth will he think of your lack of sci-fi knowledge and non-movie attendance??)And then when you asked me to join the IWSG admin team, I was super-terrified...and speechless!

I have The Big Short bookmarked to watch but haven't gotten around to it yet. I have been binge-watching Shameless when I have time. What a show that is. Have you seen it? It has quite a bit of sex in it, but the plot (at least from a addict sense) is fantastic.

You're so right. Arrival (minus Charlie Sheen) is for the brain. Well, it's for brains that are more than just a pretty fa... um brain. It's The Fifth Wave (the sixth?) but for people who don't mind a bit of hard work. There.... we agree, Ninja. It is not a miracle.

Sorry for my lateness Alex.I've been blogging for nine years, started whilst still in Spain.It seems incredible that we've followed each other for seven years, not only follwed but you have supported me through some pretty harsh times for which I thank you.Yvonne.

Congrats! What a great list of achievements over seven years. It's certainly been fruitful. Hope you have a wonderful week off.

Arrival sounds like it could be something special. I'm not familiar with the work of In Flames, but I certainly appreciate bands who grow and try different things. That's what we should all be doing as artists!

I loved The Big Short as I was in the banking / finance industry at the time. A lot of people saw this coming. Working schmucks like myself who worked behind the scenes and saw the mind boggling number of garbage loans (if you needed a bridge loan for example you can't afford it). I remember telling anyone who would listen get out of debt and stop taking out second and third mortgages on your house. Of course no one listened. So yeah, great movie IMHO.

Congratulations on seven years, man. That's awesome. ^_^ I'm constantly glad I found IWSG, both for the community and the therapeutic aspects, so many thanks to you for coming up with that.

I've heard really good things about Arrival, but it's one of those things where I'm not quite interested enough to go out and see it. I'm sure I'll catch it eventually, though. As for music, my favorite bands are the ones who change over time but still maintain what makes them special, so... I have no idea. O_o

Seven years. Wow! And you've probably accomplished much more than you planned - book releases and all.

Arrival arrives here in December, so I will be watching it with my nephews. I just hope this isn't 3D too. Becoming jaded with the string of 3D movies releasing here or I am just a grouchy, middle-aged woman who can't stand the glitz and noise. :(

Loved Fantastic beasts. Doc Strange was entertaining with great CGI, but somehow had a Martin Sue feel to it. For one, I truly, truly hated those repeated close ups of hand-washing.

Ah, but the responsibilities that come from being Cumberbatch!

Yeah, I miss those wonderful old days of blogging. Friends like you, Robyn, Pat Michelle and TS helped me avoid falling into the depression zone again. I think of you folks often, but I don't know if I'll ever revive the blog.

Life has changed a lot in these two years and I've kinda lost my passion for fiction writing. Maybe, I'll give it another shot in New Year with byte-sized book reviews, or simply lurk around and comment now and then.

Enjoy your digital-free Thanksgiving with family and friends. And, no, you don't have to save a slice of turkey for me -- the advantages of having a vegetarian friend.

About Me

I'm a sci-fi writer on a journey of discovery - books, movies, music, etc.
Founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, I'm the author of Amazon Best Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, & Dragon of the Stars

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